Is It Wise for the Administration to Allow BJP’s Jan Aakrosh Rally Near Vidhan Sabha?

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Mandi (Munish Sood)

As the Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s winter session begins tomorrow, questions arise over the administration’s decision to allow the opposition BJP’s rally next to the legislative premises.

Dharamshala, December 17: The Winter Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly is set to begin tomorrow at Tapovan, Dharamshala, where the state government and opposition parties are prepared for an action-packed four-day session. However, a controversial decision by the administration has sparked a significant debate—should the BJP be permitted to hold its Jan Aakrosh Rally so close to the Assembly?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its rally at Zorawar Stadium, which lies adjacent to the Assembly. The rally, scheduled for 11 AM, coincides with the Assembly proceedings and will see participation from top BJP leaders. The party plans to highlight what it calls the “anti-people policies” of the Congress-led state government. However, political experts and concerned citizens are questioning the prudence of holding such a rally so close to a high-security zone like the Vidhan Sabha.

A History of Trouble: Lessons from 2021

This decision becomes even more concerning when viewed through the lens of past events. During the tenure of the Jai Ram Thakur government, a similar protest turned chaotic when hundreds of people gathered at Zorawar Stadium demanding the formation of the Swarn Commission. Protestors broke police barricades, marched toward the Assembly premises, and some even attempted to breach its walls.

The 2021 protest resulted in serious incidents, including:
• Damage to government vehicles, including fire department trucks.
• Stone-pelting that left several individuals injured.
• Senior officials, including then DGP Sanjay Kundu and DC Nipun Jindal, trapped in the crowd.

The situation escalated to such an extent that the then-Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had to personally step out of the Assembly to address the protestors and promise action.

Rally Approval: A Risky Decision?

With this history fresh in memory, the administration’s approval for the BJP’s rally near the Assembly raises critical concerns:
• Can law and order be effectively maintained? Such rallies often attract large crowds, with many fueled by anger and frustration.
• What if the rally spirals out of control? The Assembly is a sensitive zone, and any security lapse could lead to serious consequences.
• Who will bear responsibility if disruptions occur?

Political observers argue that allowing a major opposition rally in close proximity to an ongoing Assembly session is an avoidable risk. “Given the emotional nature of political gatherings, the administration should have considered alternative locations,” said a political analyst.

Will 2021 Be Repeated?

The parallels with the 2021 protest are hard to ignore. Then, a peaceful gathering escalated into violence, leading to chaos outside the Vidhan Sabha. The question now is: Has the administration learned nothing from past mistakes?

If the crowd turns unruly tomorrow, who will ensure the safety of the Assembly proceedings? Is the administration prepared to prevent another breach of security at Tapovan?

A Tense Tomorrow Awaits

With BJP leaders and thousands of supporters expected to converge on Zorawar Stadium, the situation remains tense. Citizens and political analysts alike are closely watching to see whether the administration’s decision to permit the rally will prove to be wise—or a serious lapse in judgment.

All eyes are now on Dharamshala as Himachal Pradesh braces for a politically charged day.

MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

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